李元膺·《菩萨蛮·彩旗画舫》英译

彩旗画舫清明后，

花前姊妹争携手。

先紧绣罗裙，

轻衫束领巾。

琐绳金钏响，

渐出花梢上。

笑里问高低，

盘云堕玉螭。

Buddhist Dancers

Li Yuanying

The swing adorned with flags after the Mourning Day,

Before the flowers hand in hand come maidens gay.

They make the girdle on their broidered silk skirt tight,

And tie a scarf on their skirt light.

One maiden grasps the ropes, her golden bracelets ring;

By and by over the tree tips goes up the swing.

Smiling, she asks if she goes high;

Her headdress blends with clouds in the sky.